Words for Loss

My mother died early this morning, following a long illness and a rapid recent decline. In her spirit, I offer these words, taken from the Portland First Unitarian Church service last weekend. It's important to remember that all life passages are holy, and all are a cause for celebration, and honoring.

When love is felt or fear is known, When holidays and holy days and such times come, When anniversaries arrive by calendar or consciousness, When seasons come, as seasons do, Old and known, but somehow new, When lives or born or people die, When something sacred's sensed in earth or sky, Mark the time. Respond with thought or prayer or smile or grief. Let nothing living slip between the fingers of the mind. For all of these are holy things we will not, cannot, find again.

Susan “Moonwriter” Pesznecker is a writer, college English teacher, and hearth Pagan/Druid living in northwestern Oregon. Her magickal roots include Pictish Scot and eastern European medicine traditions. Sue holds a Masters degree in nonfiction writing and loves to read, stargaze, camp with her wonder poodle, and play in her biodynamic garden. She’s co-founder of the Druid Grove of Two Coasts and the Ars Viarum Magicarum Magical Conservatory (school of magic). Sue has authored Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink and The Magickal Retreat (Llewellyn, 2009-2012) and regularly contributes to the Llewellyn Annuals. Visit her at on Facebook.

I am so sorry for your loss. If you feel the need/desire to talk, call me 888-724-3966. I lost my dad and mom as a young adult and still, 25+ years later, remember the heartbreak and would be fine with being a listening ear. Since you and I are both in Portland metro area, an in-person chat is also a possibility if it would be a help.

Most sincerely yours,

Anne

P.S. Very wise words you shared in your sad announcement. Thank you for them.